Genera starts up ANDRITZ pulping and stock preparation systems for sustainable packaging production

ANDRITZ supplied key equipment for the pulping and stock preparation process to ensure the supply of high-quality pulp to the facility’s thermoforming systems, which produce sustainable molded fiber packaging for food applications. These compostable, high-performance packaging solutions support the circular economy and the shift away from fossil-based plastic packaging.

ANDRITZ’s supply scope included multiple refiners and stock preparation equipment along with additional pulp washing and dewatering equipment. These components play an important role in Genera’s production process, increasing production capacity and contributing to efficient and sustainable operations.

Genera first ordered ANDRITZ non-wood pulping equipment in 2019. Since then, the two companies have maintained a close collaboration, with ANDRITZ continuing to provide services and key equipment to support Genera’s growth in the sustainable packaging market. 

“We were thrilled to continue our partnership with ANDRITZ as we expanded our production capabilities,” said Ben Mascarello, Chief Executive Officer of Genera. “Their pulping and stock preparation systems are essential to our mission of producing high-quality, compostable packaging. This expansion allows us to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

About Genera
Genera is an integrated biorefinery and sustainable materials company headquartered in Vonore, Tennessee, that partners with local farmers to grow regenerative grasses and transform them into domestically sourced, compostable molded fiber and other biobased products. As North America’s largest vertically integrated producer of non-wood molded fiber packaging, Genera serves food and consumer packaging, foodservice, retail, healthcare, and institutional markets through a circular, farm-to-compost and recycling model. The company produces durable, high-quality packaging that helps brands meet their sustainability goals and strengthen the circular economy. Genera offers a wide range of stock and custom solutions with options such as film lamination, coatings, heat sealing, pad insertion, embossing, and printing – empowering brands and consumers to make sustainable choices without compromising quality or performance, while supporting the environment, American jobs, farmers, and rural economies.

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ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.